5 WAYS TO KICKSTART YOUR STUDY PLAN

1. STUDY YOUR PLAN

2. TELL IT LIKE IT IS

3. TAKE IT WITH YOU

4. BUDDY UP

5. ARE YOU EXEMPT?

1. STUDY YOUR PLAN

LOOK AT THE AREAS OF STUDY

The CIPM® Program offers a specialized approach to Portfolio Management and Performance Evaluation. Consider the areas of study to better understand the content to help you decide if the program is right for you. Knowing your own areas of interest, as well as strengths and weaknesses, before you begin will help you tackle the curriculum in the way that feels best for you. Approximately 70% of the program covers advanced performance evaluation and 30% covers ethical and professional standards, including the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®).

FOCUS ON THE CURRICULUM

The CIPM curriculum covers all the concepts and skills you will need to know for both levels of the exam. In addition, we provide the weight of each topic that will be included in the exam and the Learning Outcome Statements (LOS) lead you to a clear understanding of what each section will require you to master. Learn more about topics covered in the curriculum.

2. TELL IT LIKE IT IS

SET PRIORITIES (AND OTHER PEOPLE'S EXPECTATIONS)

If you are going to commit to the amount of study needed to successfully master the content – around 125 hours per level – everyone around you needs to understand your priorities and your ultimate goal and deadline. The time from registration to exam is usually about six months; therefore, it is important to tell family, friends and colleagues about your efforts and what the next few months will be like for you. That will help you focus on your studies without guilt, or at least without having to explain over and over, and you may even get additional support and encouragement from those around you. Explain that although the CIPM Program is self-study, not requiring you to be away from home, it is rigorous and requires resolve and concentration.

3. TAKE IT WITH YOU

MOBILE TOOLS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND

Every candidate must find opportunities to study. In addition to dedicated, planned time, you may find opportunities to invest 20 or 30 minutes while commuting, in between appointments, or just waiting in line. You can always access the Learning Ecosystem (LES) your laptop or mobile device. Everything you need to study efficiently and effectively is included in the LES. The LES is an easily accessible tool from any device, anywhere, at any time. Given that the CIPM exams are administered via computer at a Pearson Vue location, the LES provides a more aligned study-to-exam experience.

4. BUDDY UP

GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT

Know that you are not on this journey alone! Not only is there an existing global community of CIPM professionals accessible through our many societies, there is also a global community of current candidates for both levels. There are opportunities to engage with an Approved Prep Provider program or you can find a community online in candidate forums, via social media, and even within the Learning Ecosystem, which includes an online exchange. You might identify a mentor in your office who has earned the CIPM designation, or other current candidates to form a study group. Find the right support system to help encourage you and keep you on the path to success!

5. ARE YOU EXEMPT?

PASSED CFA PROGRAM? SKIP LEVEL I

CFA® charterholders and those who have successfully passed the CFA® Program Level III exam are exempt from taking the CIPM® Level I exam. This is an acknowledgement that you have already mastered the curriculum and key learnings covered in this course of study. The CIPM Program is rigorous, but by bypassing the Level I exam, you can now earn your full designation from CFA Institute in just six months. Develop the deeper skills in performance evaluation that can increase your professional value to your employer and your clients. Join the elite ranks of the nearly 800 CFA/CIPM dual designation holders who have attained this credential as a powerful complement to the CFA® charter.